White Flower Farm
Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation'
Best unique beauty for fragrant garden enthusiasts.
Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation', a bi-colored Common Lilac, has been popular since 1938. Its unusual purple blooms feature a creamy white edge and appear mid- to late season. This sturdy shrub is known for its reliable bloom and sweet fragrance, generally appearing before Memorial Day. Lilacs prefer full sun and neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained soil. Pruning should be done after blooming in spring. While susceptible to powdery mildew in late summer, it typically does not affect the plant's vigor.
$39.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.4
/ 5
Category Rank
2302
/ 2688
#2302 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-1%
Below average
Common Name
Common Lilac
/ Common Lilac
Who it's for
- Homeowners desiring a powerfully fragrant and evocative garden experience.
- Busy gardeners in temperate zones wanting a dependable, long-lived plant.
- Gardeners seeking a visually distinctive and elegant flowering shrub.
Who should skip it
- Urban dwellers or those with limited garden square footage.
- Low-maintenance gardeners preferring plants that require little intervention.
- Gardeners in humid climates or those prioritizing disease-resistant varieties.
Key Specs
Common Name
Common Lilac
Hardiness Zone
3-7S/8W
Exposure
Full Sun
Blooms In
May
Mature Height
8-10 feet
Mature Spread
8-10 feet
Ships as
1-gallon pot
Fragrance
Yes
Features
- Unique bi-colored blooms
- Sweetly fragrant flowers
- Reliable spring bloomer
- Deer resistant
- Suitable for zones 3-8
- Ships in a 1-gallon pot
What customers say
Customers consistently express delight with the Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation' lilac, primarily highlighting its exceptional aesthetic quality and reliable performance. Many reviewers celebrate the plant's striking bicolored flowers and intoxicating fragrance, noting how it transforms garden spaces. The plant's vigor and ability to establish well are frequently praised, leading to beautiful, abundant blooms. While some mention initial plant size, the overall consensus points to a highly satisfying experience, with the unique visual appeal and classic lilac charm standing out as key drivers of positive sentiment. This plant delivers on its promise of distinctive beauty.
Know before you buy
The 'Sensation' variety is distinguished by its striking bi-colored blooms. Each purple petal is bordered by a distinct, creamy white edge, offering a unique visual contrast not found in standard solid-colored lilacs.
At maturity, this shrub reaches a height and spread of 8 to 10 feet. You should plant it in an area that allows for this full size to ensure proper air circulation and growth.
Lilacs thrive in well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline. If your soil is highly acidic, you may need to amend it to help the plant reach its full potential.
Pruning should be performed immediately after the flowers fade in the spring. Avoid pruning in late summer or fall, as this will remove the buds for the following year's blooms.
This is likely powdery mildew, a common occurrence for many lilacs in late summer. While it may affect the appearance of the foliage, it is generally cosmetic and does not impact the overall health or vigor of the shrub.
Yes, this variety is considered deer resistant. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, lilacs are typically avoided by deer, making them a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$39